Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Infections - Sub-Rosa (1986)

With a name like the Infections they have to be punk...right? Um, no, I don’t think
so. A lot more straitlaced then I was expecting, I took a chance on these
Michiganders by virtue of a very snazzy record sleeve and a healthy dose of mystique. In fact, Sub-Rosa is surprisingly diverse, ranging from the nervy, pub-rock groove of "Reykjavik," to "All Your Life," a Beatlesque piano ballad that gradually blossoms into a more ornate motif that's downright orchestral by the end of it's six minute journey. Faint Mersey/paisley inclinations involve "Mind Grow" and "Candle Against the Darkness," easily the most winsome two moments here. The long-winded tracks occupying side two aren’t as consistently enticing, but
the ethereal “Under the Rose” finishes Sub-Rosa off on a high note.